Trending Now - New Research Highlights Diet's Role in Enhancing Brain Health
WHO:
Kjetil Bjornevik, assistant professor of epidemiology and nutrition at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Jazba Soomro, vascular and interventional neurologist at Memorial Hermann Mischer Neuroscience Associates in Humble, Texas
Christopher Weber, senior director of global science initiatives at the Alzheimer’s Association
WHAT:
A March 2026 study found that greater adherence to the MIND diet was associated with a slower decline in total gray matter volume in the brain.
Participants who followed the MIND diet most closely may have a 53 percent lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease compared to those who do not adhere to the diet.
A study identified the DASH diet as the most effective for cognitive health among seven diets.
Participants who closely followed the DASH diet had a 41 percent lower risk of cognitive decline compared to those who did not.
The study analyzed data from almost 160,000 adults from the Nurses’ Health Studies (1986-2017) and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (1986-2012).
Other diets in the study were associated with an 11 to 35 percent lower likelihood of cognitive decline.
A separate study in March 2026 found that adherence to the MIND diet was linked to a slower decline in total gray matter volume.
WHERE:
The research was conducted by an international team of researchers, with data from studies based in the United States.
WHEN:
The study was published in February 2026.
The Nurses’ Health Studies were conducted from 1986 to 2017.
The Health Professionals Follow-Up Study was conducted from 1986 to 2012.
The MIND diet study involved 1,647 middle-aged and older individuals and was published in March 2026.
WHY:
The DASH diet is linked to lower levels of inflammation, which plays a significant role in cognitive impairment, according to Christopher Weber, senior director of global science initiatives at the Alzheimer’s Association.
The DASH diet is linked to lower blood pressure, which is a recognized risk factor for dementia.
The study suggests that overall diet quality and cardiovascular health may be foundational to preserving brain health over time.
HOW:
The DASH diet was developed almost 30 years ago by researchers funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
The DASH diet emphasizes vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and limits sodium and sugar.
The sodium target on the DASH diet is no more than 2,300 mg daily, and the potassium target is 4,700 mg daily.
Recommendations for dietary changes include gradually increasing vegetables, fish, and whole grains while reducing processed meats and sugary beverages.
(UPDATED March 20, 2026 07:20 UTC)
A new study released today reveals that following the MIND diet can significantly slow the decline in total gray matter volume in the brain, with participants adhering closely to the diet having a 53 percent lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This diet, which is linked to lower levels of inflammation, is crucial since inflammation is a major factor in cognitive impairment, according to Christopher Weber from the Alzheimer’s Association. The MIND diet builds on the DASH diet, which was developed nearly 30 years ago with support from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
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(UPDATED March 20, 2026 05:22 UTC)
A recent study published in February 2026 has identified the DASH diet as the most effective dietary plan for cognitive health, showing that participants who closely followed it had a 41 percent lower risk of cognitive decline compared to those who did not. Conducted by an international team of researchers and analyzing data from nearly 160,000 adults, the study highlights the importance of overall diet quality and cardiovascular health in preserving brain health over time. Additionally, a separate study released in March 2026 found that adherence to the MIND diet was associated with a slower decline in total gray matter volume among middle-aged and older individuals.